Day 3 and my last day – Line Judging

It’s a late start on my last day as a line judge. With a lie in, well I still made a cuppa for my roommate and I (a little too early, sorry Mum Pammie). Then eventually turned over and had another hour. Breakfast was humming will some off the ladies off shopping. Pammie and I stayed in the room and I took advantage of the time to do a few blogs (Ashton men’s match report plus others). So a leisurely start to what will be a long day, estimated finish time of 20.00 depending on how many games go to three. Settled in to my new role as line judge I was enjoying the experience. Along with seeing what goes on behind the scenes to provide the public with a flawless program of games to watch is, I must say very interesting.

For those of you who play badminton I recommend experiencing a bit of line judging. Why not do the training (See HERE for details on Line Judging)? Then volunteer!

My last day of line judging went well. Did not do that much ‘swimming’ so was pleased with that. I got to officiate Caroline MARIN from Spain (Results HERE), in my next life can I be her please or just 20 years younger. Perdersen and Rytter Juhl, ladies doubles (if they say it’s out I won’t argue) quiet frighteningly a strong pair, well they are the number 1 seed in the tournament. Next on court with Ellis and Van Rietvelde (England and Scotland) pair and I momentarily lost my concentration slightly (forgot to sit down simultaneously with my colleagues) as a young voice in the crowd behind be me shouted ‘come on England’ and then corrected himself by shouting ‘Great Britain’. My last match on my last day was ladies singles Wang V. Vignes Waren, not quiet the finish I would have liked as the next court saw Oliver and Robertshaw win in the third (details HERE) getting the crowd roaring.

Last day continued

Not over till the fat lady sings. Although all of the line judging had long ended, Badminton England had masses of work to do altering the arena for the next day. Remove courts, more seating out and all the computer next work needed fixing. It was all hands to the wheel (or court in this case). Many hands make lighter work, so we left the arena at 11.00 (play finished at 9.00), underground back to the hotel. My new found friend (travelled by car and proceed tot he bar) called my to inform the 6 of us on the train that the bar would close before we got back. So with pre-ordered drinks waiting we would be able to quench our thirsts (thanks BE). So with an early start on a long journey home, bed was welcome on my last day.

Line Judging at the London Grand Prix 2013

Having played badminton for several years, I fancied doing something else to do with badminton. As I am already a qualified umpire and a member of the BUAofE I thought I would go a little further and become a line judge and am now a member of the BLJAofE.

Well having done the training today was the day I would put my Line Judging knowledge/training into action. I travelled down to London last night, to share a room with Pam (another Line Judge). Turns out she has 20 years experience and was full of information and assured me (several times) that my first time would be a doddle.

At breakfast Pam kindly introduced me to a few of the other line judges and Suzanne helped me with my traveling arrangements on the London Underground. After arriving safely at the Copper Box Arena pointed me in the right direction for accreditation and uniform. Well the rest of the crew were just as helpful.

Before I could say ‘ssssmoking ssshutles’, I’m lined up ready for my first time…..! Mens singles Sridhar (India) V. Tian (China) I was a little nervous to say the least (these two men would be waiting for me to call in or out!). My first Line judging call was a trembling arm raise for IN and throughout the almost two games I did two other IN calls and one very loud and arms extremely wide OUT. As it happened the game was cut short due to Sridhar retiring (full details HERE).

My third game with a familiar face for an umpire (Rizvan through Warwickshire County) I am in position 8 to the right of the Umpire and the shuttle lands all eyes are on me and I knew the shuttle was out but a single arm goes out (to signal IN)…! I quickly change it by pulling my arm back and raising the other arm to signal OUT. Phew got it right without the Umpire over-ruling me. I was later told this movement was referred to as ‘swimming’, not certain why breast stoke would be used in badminton.

All in all I survived my first experience line judging with mens and ladies singles with only one bout of swimming. Why not try it for yourself see BLJAofE.